Bangladesh Students’ Union, Jahangirnagar University (JU) unit, submitted a memorandum to the university administration demanding immediate action against cyberbullying, online harassment and so-called ‘social media trials’ centring the campus.
They submitted the memorandum to Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan on Sunday, urging the authorities to identify those involved and bring them under legal accountability without delay.
In the memorandum, they said incidents of gendered abuse and derogatory remarks particularly targeting female students and teachers have alarmingly increased since August 5, 2024.
They cited a recent case where remarks made by Anthropology Department teacher Dr Rezwana Karim Snigdha in a talk show triggered slander, slut-shaming and cyberbullying on social media.
They emphasised that while differences of opinion are a part of democratic practice, turning them into personal attacks and online harassment is unacceptable.
The memorandum also alleged that several members of the university’s central students’ union (JUCSU) have directly or indirectly engaged in such harassment.
It further claimed that some Facebook pages and fake accounts operating under the university’s name including ‘Jabian Sushil Samaj’, ‘JU Update’, ‘JUCSU News’, ‘JUCSU Update’ and ‘JU Crush and Confession’ have been spreading organised misinformation and propaganda.
To address the situation, the organisation placed a five-point demand: identify and punish those involved in cyberbullying and harassment; conduct impartial investigations against accused JUCSU members; take action against fake and propaganda-driven online platforms; ensure visible and effective administrative measures; and formulate policies to prevent hate speech while protecting freedom of expression.
JU Students’ Union General Secretary Faizan Ahmed Arko said that failure to take prompt action would disrupt the academic environment on campus.
He added that the administration must play an active role in preserving the university’s tolerant, humane and progressive character, warning that students would be compelled to launch tougher programmes if their demands are not met.